The MLB landscape is shifting as teams assess their lineups for the final stretch of the season, showcasing both rising stars and fallen veterans. Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles is making waves, batting leadoff recently, while Cedric Mullins struggles, dropping down the batting order. The Boston Red Sox's Kristian Campbell's performance has cooled off in the cleanup spot, raising questions about his future. Meanwhile, Jasson Dominguez of the New York Yankees is on the rise, hitting well in recent games. In Tampa Bay, Christopher Morel's playing time is dwindling against righties as the roster gets healthier.

In Toronto, Addison Barger is carving out a role with solid performances, while Daulton Varsho's return from injury has been marked by inconsistency. The Chicago White Sox's Tim Elko is proving he belongs in the majors, and the Cleveland Guardians' Daniel Schneemann has been steady against right-handed pitching. The Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia continues to be a bright spot, while Salvador Perez is slowly getting back into form. The Minnesota Twins' Royce Lewis is working his way back up the lineup, and the Astros' Jake Meyers shows promise.

Christopher Morel is emerging as a key player for the Tampa Bay Rays, despite a career batting average that might suggest otherwise. In his recent games, Morel has shown promise, going 7 for 38 with three doubles, two home runs, and five RBIs. His performance is crucial as the Rays, currently struggling with a .209 team batting average, aim to stay competitive in the American League East. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's pitching staff is holding strong with a 3.03 ERA, helping the team secure six wins in their last ten games.

The Rays are facing a challenging season and need collective contributions from all players, especially as they fight to maintain pace with teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. With a 6-5 road record, Tampa Bay is focused on capitalizing on their pitching strength and improving their hitting stats to turn the tide in their favor.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses into Week 3, a strategic approach to waiver wire pickups becomes crucial for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. With several outfielders under 50% rostered showing promising stats, this week presents a unique opportunity for managers looking to bolster their squads.

T.J. Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds is on a tear, producing significant runs and stolen bases, especially with favorable matchups ahead. Cam Smith from the Houston Astros showcases potential power and speed, currently rebounding from a slow start. Other noteworthy adds include Zac Veen, Christopher Morel, and Michael Conforto, each offering unique attributes that could enhance your team's performance through the coming week.

For deeper leagues, Jake Mangum and Heston Kjerstad provide good upside, especially in terms of speed and power, respectively. Overall, this week offers a range of options to address specific needs in your fantasy lineup.

As the baseball season unfolds, the importance of savvy waiver wire pickups becomes crucial for fantasy managers. Christopher Morel, traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, has shown promise after struggling with the Chicago Cubs. His power potential can't be overlooked, especially with a chance to hit 30 home runs this season. José Alvarado, recently dominant in relief for the Philadelphia Phillies, may secure a mix-and-match closing role that could lead to valuable saves. Tyler Soderstrom, now with catcher eligibility on the horizon, showcased his potential with two home runs. Quick mentions include Tony Santillan as a closing option for the Reds, and Kyle Manzardo's favorable position in the Guardians lineup.

As the fantasy baseball draft season heats up, targets in the later rounds can make or break a team. Players with multi-position eligibility are especially valuable, providing flexibility to navigate injuries or off days. Look for candidates with an ADP of 175 or lower, offering a mix of batting average, home runs, and stolen bases. Key players like Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Ceddanne Rafaela from the Boston Red Sox have the potential to contribute across multiple categories while providing roster flexibility.

For those seeking late-round sleepers, Christopher Morel of the Tampa Bay Rays and Luke Raley of the Seattle Mariners are intriguing options. Morel’s power potential coupled with eligibility at multiple positions can help fill gaps, while Raley's career-high plate appearances last season hint at further production. As the season approaches, these players could be the difference between a good fantasy team and a championship contender.